Firearms: safety certificates.

Assembly Member Celeste Rodriguez's firearms safety legislation mandates expanded training requirements for California firearm safety certificates and establishes new protocols for individuals importing firearms into the state. Under the measure, personal firearm importers must obtain a valid firearm safety certificate within 60 days of bringing firearms into California and include certificate documentation in their required Department of Justice reports.

Starting July 1, 2027, applicants for firearm safety certificates must complete an eight-hour training course that includes live-fire exercises on a shooting range. The course curriculum covers firearm laws, safe handling practices, secure storage protocols, and instruction on mental health considerations, suicide prevention, and domestic violence issues related to firearms. Department of Justice-certified instructors must conduct all training components, with at least one hour dedicated to supervised live shooting practice.

The Department of Justice will establish processing fees for firearm import reports and oversee implementation through new regulations. The measure provides for public education programs in partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles and makes relevant documentation available to licensed firearms dealers and law enforcement agencies. Implementation costs will be funded through the existing Dealers' Record of Sale Special Account, subject to legislative appropriation.